Optima VS Stinger Batteries - Page 2

n8scstm · 02-21-2005, 12:15 PM

I have an optima d31T. It's the biggest optima there is.
http://search.ebay.com/optima-d31t_W0QQfkrZ1QQfromZR8
I ran my system with 15 inch screen in my truck for 6 hours before the inverter shut down due to low voltage. I dont know anything about the stingers but would personally go with the optima because its a bigger brand and warranty replacements will be a lot easier. I got mine from auto zone so if I need a new one they can have it to me in hours.

kozmo · 02-21-2005, 12:40 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by Olly H

I've never heard of people damaging deep cycle batteries by not fully discharging them.

I know for a fact that the Optimas can be partially dischrarged and recharged without causing problems.

RedGTiVR6 · 02-21-2005, 12:50 PM

I would hope any battery can be PARTIALLY discharged without a problem....other wise, it's a pretty shiesty battery....lol

froop · 02-21-2005, 08:12 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by Olly H

If I was to add a battery it would be a deep cycle battery with a split charge relay.

That's exactly what I have. Optima Red starter, through an isolator to a Yellow. The Yellow only starts charging once the Red is topped up. All electrics run off the yellow, including stereo and fridge.

Quote: Originally Posted by Olly H

I've never heard of people damaging deep cycle batteries by not fully discharging them.

You won't damage it, but if you repeatedly discharge it by only 10-15% you may well decrease its usuable life. But also keep in mind that even with a deep cycle battery, discharging it completely will do more damage. As a rule of thumb, if it drops below 10V, charge it up.

WhiteRabbit · 02-22-2005, 06:25 AM

common name for that is "muscle memory". old cell phones were notorious for that, that the phone would eventually learn your standard discharge point as fully discharged, soon your phone only lasts 2 hours before its dead. Now we know our modern cell phones have beaten this problem, that they dont succumb to muscle memory.

does the optima? does the stinger? does the die hard? Dunno. but it might be worth asking someone who does know beyond any reasonable doubt.

lgbr · 02-22-2005, 03:10 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by froop

Deep cycle batteries are designed to be just that - deep cycling. That means charge them, then drain them down to just about flat. A starting battery is just about the opposite - draining it down to flat damages it.

Deep cycle - charge, use completely, charge...
Starter - charge, use moderately, top up, use, top up...

A deep cycle battery will often have enough CCA (cold cranking amps) to start you car, and although a starter battery may have a similar amp-hour rating to a deep cycle, draining it flat by pumping the tunes without the engine running will kill it.

Likewise, if you're pumping the tunes with the engine going, you're better off saving your money on your battery, and upgrading your alternator so it can keep your starting battery fully charged.

The biggest gain of an Optima (red, blue or yellow) is that they have bloody quick charge times compared to most standard batteries. But you still need your alternator to be able to charge the baby up!

If you want the best of both worlds, get a red top to power your amp while you're driving, and flick it over to a yellow if you're cranking volume up with the engine turned off.

I still don't see what your point is. The deep cycle batteries have the same CCA rating, yet they charge quicker. My Optima has performed great for starting. 550 CCA's, and I've started it in sub-zero temperatures easily.

n8scstm · 02-22-2005, 04:51 PM

An optima yellow top is a dual purpose battery. Good for both.

VanMan69 · 02-22-2005, 05:15 PM

I'm running an isolated single-diehard/dual-yellow-top (D34, standard size) auxiliary system.

I couldn't tell you the average runtime with just the computer, because very rarely do I run out of juice using just the computer (have watched movies back to back to back). That's with the comp, HU & two front speakers, & 15" monitor.

I can leave the computer on (idling) for over 8 hours (couldn't say how long really, but basically I've left it on all day while at work, with still juice to go).

I can run comp, two xenarcs, HU w/ 2x50w front speakers, 2x100w rear speakers, 2x300w subs at top volume for over four hours on a good charge.

These are top charge times. If I use stuff for four hours, then drive for 15 minutes, it won't last four hours again without a good charging.

Don't know anything about Stingers.

turbocad6 · 02-23-2005, 06:10 PM

to me the stinger & the optima are very similar, I don't know how much it even matters which is better, I use optimas because they are convinient & cheaper for me, but the stinger is also fine.....if your really looking for "the best" you want to start looking for lithium ion batterys I think. this is the latest commonly available battery source with no memory affect & long run times, problem here is that they cost a fourtune to get as much power as an optima or stinger provide,probably wind up being a bank of smaller ones. I never really looked into the availability of large li-ion's, anyone?

kenski · 02-24-2005, 05:00 AM

Man, there are people here that have no idea what they are talking about... The typical " BUY IT BECAUSE " types.... But. there are a few that have half a clue

Yes, the deep cycle is NOT good for starting, it is the WORST thing!! You will pull all your juice FAST... A deep cycle should NOT be charged fast eaither, ie: alternator, because it can be damaged. The deepcycle is a slow discarge, slow charge battery. This will make it last for a VERY LONG TIME. the yellow top they say is a starting and deep cycle, take this with a grain of salt, it won't last long if you use it as a primary battery........ You need to use a battery isolator with a deepcycle and use another battery such as a red top with a deepcycle and this will keep your deepcycle lasting a long time.

RedGTiVR6 · 02-24-2005, 07:14 AM

kenski - I've had this discussion on this forum like 5 times with different people. I agree 100% with you on this. But I've also come to realize that people like to believe that they are right, no matter what evidence is given to them.

It's a futile effort....lol

=]

kenski · 02-24-2005, 07:52 AM

hahahahaha ya, thats the power of the internet.... Everyone is an expert behind it.....

Like the Holiday Inn comericals.......

RedGTiVR6 · 02-24-2005, 07:54 AM

that would be a good pic for this thread.....

"i'm not an expert on batteries, but I did stay in a holiday in last night!"

lol

-zip- · 02-24-2005, 10:35 AM

Excellent read..

You guys saved me 187 CDN. Was going to buy an Excide deep cell and use it as starter battery. OK so what is a good starter battery then?

RedGTiVR6 · 02-24-2005, 01:30 PM

IMO: red top optima